August 9, 2012

You might be surprised to learn that Ray Stevens is one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters. When I was but a wee lass, I listened to his greatest hits cassette tape (remember those?) until it no longer functioned.

He ain't rude,
He ain't lewd,
He's just in the mood to run in the nude

I so often feel that way. If you're unfamiliar with the man (and most of you probably are) and in need of a chuckle, check him out! He also did a cover of I'm My Own Grandpa, which is simply one of the most hilarious and ingenious songs ever written.

Speaking of streaks (brace yourselves for a tremendous segue!), I'm pretty excited about these streaky sugar cookies. All I did was take regular sugar cookie dough, split it into 3 hunks, dye each hunk a different color, then knead and roll. Isn't it a nifty effect? Have fun with it--every cookie in every batch you make will be unique!

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it is smooth.
Beat in the eggs and the vanilla.
Stir in the flour, baking powder and the salt.
Divide the dough into four portions, shape each into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Remove one disk of dough from the fridge and split it into three balls.
Add the food coloring to each of the dough balls, kneading it in just until desired color is achieved.
Briefly knead the three colors together so that a swirl effect is obtained. Don't go too crazy or you'll end up with brown dough.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Roll out the now-colored dough (on a floured surface) so that it is 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick.
Cut the dough into shapes with any cookie cutter.
Place the cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake them for 6 to 8 minutes in a preheated oven. Cool them completely, then frost as desired.

My parents loved Ray Stevens and we listened to him on 8 Track and albums :) No matter how many times I hear his songs, they still crack me up :) I tried this recipe and it is definitely a keeper! Thank you!!

I was thinking about cassettes just last night...and wondered if I had any left, or anything to play them on if I did. Funny! The kids come home and take care of 45's (we have an entire box of those), cassettes, and LP's. They are forever organizing them.(And yes, I know all about Ray Stevens.)Your cookies look like a party! Grandkids would love to make these, Grace.

I love these! It's like tie dye cookies! I can't believe I hadn't noticed the lack of hunky men in Bunheads... maybe it's because I get my dose of hunky man from Derek in Teen Wolf and Eric in True Blood! :)

I also grew up listening to Ray Stevens and still love to play the Mississippi Squirrel Revival song when I need a pick-me-up!!The cookies look great... I will pin them and make them real soon!Thanks for the laugh and the memories!